Experienced campaigners commit to Villarreal
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Article summary
Villarreal CF received a boost ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal FC at El Madrigal as Robert Pirès and Javi Venta both signed one-year contract extensions until 30 June 2010.
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Villarreal CF have rewarded Robert Pirès and Javi Venta with one-year contract extensions which tie the duo to the club until 30 June 2010.
Experienced campaigners
Former France midfield player Pirès, 35, joined in summer 2006 from Arsenal FC – Villarreal's opponents in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals – and continues to be an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini's plans having made 23 Liga appearances this term. The 33-year-old defender Javi Venta, meanwhile, has played 15 times in the Spanish top flight this season, taking his tally to 157 over seven seasons. Both players will hope to feature when the Gunners visit El Madrigal for Tuesday's first leg.
'Very happy'
Pirès said: "I'm 35 and there are very few players at my age who are given an opportunity like this one. I feel good physically and mentally. I've signed a one-year extension for the moment and we'll see what happens in the future. My great hope is to win a title with Villarreal." Venta added: "I'm very happy that I'm staying. I was always sure of what I wanted to do but it was up to the club to make a decision. If it were up to me I'd retire here."
